Diabetes affects more than 1 in 10 adults in the United States, and many people do not know they have it. Even more concerning, over one‑third of adults have prediabetes, a condition that greatly increases the risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke, especially when it occurs along with other conditions such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2026 Standards of Care, all adults should be screened for diabetes beginning at age 35, regardless of weight. Screening should occur earlier and more often in adults who are overweight or obese and have additional risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of gestational diabetes. People with prediabetes should be tested yearly, and those with prior gestational diabetes should be screened for life at least every 1 to 3 years. Screening is done using a blood test, most commonly fasting glucose or a hemoglobin A1c, which does not require fasting. If symptoms of diabetes develop at any age—such as increased thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss—testing should be performed promptly rather than waiting for routine screening. If you have questions about your diabetes risk, talk with your healthcare provider about appropriate testing and prevention. diabetes.org